Head Start

The Head Start Program is a federally funded school readiness pre-school program for economically disadvantaged families and their children between the ages of 3 and 5 which was established in St. Lawrence County in 1965.

Special needs children also participate in the program along with some over- income children with needs. It is a comprehensive pre-school program providing education, health, mental health, nutrition, parent involvement and social services. Busing is provided in the center-based option.

Thank you to all parents who donated milk cartons and who helped build our igloo!

Head Start is one of learning, sharing and caring (social-emotional). Children learn about themselves and others. They experience the world around them through play. Children develop skills that will prepare them for kindergarten. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s education while at the same time develop friendships with other parents. A total of 351 children and families are served in the Center-Based and Home Based Programs.

Head Start is currently seeking new children for enrollment-CLICK HERE

Parishville Head Start
c/o Parishville Elementary School
School St.
Parishville, NY 13672
315-265-1879

Potsdam Head Start
1/2 Lawrence Ave.
Potsdam, NY 13676
315-265-6710

The Home Based Programis a home pre-school program for parents and children that includes group times for socialization. It is built on the premise that a parent is a child’s teacher for the first years of a child’s life. Eligible children that are three and four years old –depending on the area– are served along with their families in their own home. The children receive all the services that center-based children receive, but in their homes. The three year olds have the opportunity to transition into centers if they live in an area served by a center for a second year of Head Start. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to receive one-on-one services as a three year old and then as a four year old have daily group socialization before transitioning to the school district for kindergarten.The following areas are served by the home based program, but this can vary from year to year:
Brasher Falls Morristown
Canton Norwood
Gouverneur Ogdensburg
Hammond Potsdam
MassenaFor further information about the Home Based Program, call 315-386-8574.